P.E.I. lowers age for free shingles vaccine

CBC

16 September 2024 at 10:53 am·1-min read

Shingles is a painful rash that can have long-term impacts. (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention - image credit)

The P.E.I. government has lowered the age requirement for a free shingles vaccine to 50.

The change from age 60 was announced in a news release Monday morning and is effective immediately.

Shingles is a painful rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. About 30 per cent of adults will develop shingles in their lifetime and 10 per cent will develop lingering and debilitating nerve pain.

Appointments for the Shingrix vaccine can be booked at pharmacies. The vaccine requires two doses given between two and six months apart.

The province first began offering free vaccines for Islanders in 2022. The program started with coverage for people aged 65 and older.

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